State Design Review

The SDRP Terms of Reference (October 2025) can be found on the WAPC website.

SDRP advice is typically sought by government agencies or statutory decision-makers on State significant development applications and public works proposals. SDRP advice may be sought in relation to proposals intending to lodge via the Part 11B Significant Development Pathway, other development proposals where these are considered to have State significance, and other matters as required by the WAPC.

All referrals to the SDRP, other than those required by a statutory planning instrument, require the approval of the WAPC Chair, who may seek the advice of the Government Architect (SDRP Chair). Consideration is given to a number of factors when determining whether a referral will be accepted; these are outlined in the SDRP Terms of Reference.

A request for SDRP review can be made by completing the Design Review Request Form

The SDRP was established by the WAPC to provide objective, professional advice regarding the design quality of State significant development proposals and projects. This advice enables informed decision-making and supports the delivery of good design outcomes that provide social, environmental and economic benefits to all Western Australians.

The key objective of the SDRP is to support implementation of State Planning Policy 7.0 Design of the Built Environment (SPP 7.0) and enhance the quality of the built environment through the provision of advice to:

• proponents (including government agencies) on built environment design quality matters and opportunities to align significant development proposals with SPP 7.0, to inform design development during the pre-lodgement phase
   
• the WAPC and other decision-makers on the design quality of lodged significant development proposals and projects, in accordance with SPP 7.0, to support design assessment and statutory decision-making.

For design review to be effective, it should be:

• Independent
• Expert
• Multi-disciplinary
• Accountable
• Transparent
• Proportionate
• Timely
• Advisory
• Objective
• Accessible
• Consistent

More information about State Design Review is available in the State Design Review Panel Manual.

The process of design review should commence during the pre-lodgement phase, well before a development application is submitted.

It is strongly recommended that the initial design review occurs as early in the design process as possible (i.e. during the concept design stage) to ensure the proponent can apply the advice offered at a stage where the design is flexible enough to incorporate change without impacting on time and cost constraints.

Early design review offers the opportunity to increase the value and quality of a design proposal before the cost of changes outweighs the benefits gained. A well-run design review can improve the design quality of built outcomes and reduce project costs. It can also assist with identifying risks early, providing support for design concepts prior to investment in detailed design, and expediting development application approvals.

Engaging in design review improves the design quality of proposals and supports planning and decision-making processes, helping to ensure the delivery of high-quality buildings and places that benefit occupants, neighbours and the broader community. 

Benefits for proponents (clients, developers, design teams)

• Early recommendations for change, before detailed design has occurred, when the impacts on time and costs are less.
• Improved value for money outcomes.
• Constructive, independent and multi-disciplinary design advice.
• Support for good design and the flexibility needed to pursue innovative design solutions.
• Early confirmation of foundational design approaches before project variables are set.
• Improved project risk management. 

Benefits for referring bodies/responsible authorities 

• Independent advice on design quality to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Increased certainty in assessing design quality against SPP 7.0.
• Access to a multi-disciplinary panel of experts where internal organisational expertise is lacking. 

Benefits for decision-makers

• Expert, independent advice on the design quality of a proposal to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Assists in the exercise of discretion in decision-making. 

Benefits for communities

• Improved contribution to the public realm and responsiveness to adjacent development and surrounding context.
• Assurance that an independent panel of design experts has provided advice on a proposal.
• Improved social, economic, and environmental benefits from development.